Department for Transport

Question

Baroness Hodgson of Abinger: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byBaroness Vere of Norbiton on 29 September (HL10314), when the Department for Transport's scrutiny period of the governance processes in regards to Hammersmith Bridge will conclude; and when they will announce a timeline for the re-opening of Hammersmith Bridge to traffic.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Department for Transport and Transport for London (TfL) are working closely with the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (LBHF) to ensure that an effective business case is submitted for the necessary strengthening works on Hammersmith Bridge. Once submitted, the final business case will be robustly scrutinised by my Department and by TfL to protect the national taxpayer’s interests and ensure that projects with strong business cases receive Government support. Given the thorough nature of this process, I cannot yet give a specific date for completion. As the asset owner, the responsibility for the required repair works lies with LBHF. As such, my Department cannot make any decisions or give estimates on the expected date for the re-opening of Hammersmith Bridge to traffic.